You want to stay ahead of the curve in Change Management. What's the best way to keep up with trends?

Make it a habit to read widely from various sources, such as industry publications, blogs, research papers, and books. Reputable sources like the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP), Prosci, and Harvard Business Review can provide valuable insights into emerging trends, case studies, and thought leadership in change management.

Networking with fellow change management professionals can be an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from their successes and challenges. Consider joining professional organizations or online communities dedicated to change management, where you can engage in discussions and stay informed about the latest developments.

Change management is an ever-evolving field, and new tools and technologies are constantly emerging to support and streamline the process. Stay curious and open to learning new software, methodologies, or frameworks that can enhance your practice. Seek out training opportunities, webinars, or self-paced learning resources to expand your skillset and stay competitive.

Actively soliciting feedback from stakeholders, colleagues, and clients can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and emerging needs. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to adapt and refine your approach. Consider conducting post-project reviews or surveys to gather feedback and identify trends or areas that require further attention.

Great to seek out different change opportunities- problem, culture, need, etc.. That way you are challenged to go back to basics, reassess your ground principles on which you base your approach and methodology. It provides great opportunity to expand your listening and uncover new ways to engage, experiment and test techniques and methodologies. Keeps you open and proving a mental attitude to grow. So rewarding and fun.

Change management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and be willing to experiment with new ideas, techniques, or strategies. Stay attuned to the unique challenges and dynamics of your organization, and adapt your methods accordingly. Encourage your team to think creatively and collaboratively to find innovative solutions to complex change challenges.

Start small, learn lessons, and grow from there. Every change project will be different so challenge yourself to understand what will work well in this particular group or context. I once worked with a client who hardly used email. That definitely kept me on my toes and helped me co-create less conventional interventions.

I've found that staying ahead of the curve requires a genuine passion for learning and a commitment to professional development. Set aside dedicated time for reading, research, and skill-building, and treat it as an investment in your career. Additionally, consider seeking out mentors or coaches who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer fresh perspectives on industry trends and best practices.

Stay on top of your game. Adapt a lifelong learner / continuous improvement mindset. Use everything you have learned and done in the past as inspiration for your current and future work.